If you live in a big city like Montreal and you do not have access to air conditioning during the hot season, here are some tips to keep you cool.
1) DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. You can choose other thirst-quenching drinks such as iced tea, but do not wait until you’re thirsty, so you don’t get dehydrated.
2) SWIMMING
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool at home, enjoy! Swimming just before bedtime is a real delight.
It takes about 10 minutes in cold water to lower your body temperature, so plan several dips during the day.
If you don’t have a pool, transform your bathtub into a spa: fill it with fresh water and add a little peppermint essential oil.
3) SHOWER
When it’s hot, you are more likely to shower in cold water, but a hot shower is more effective in lowering your body temperature before going to bed.
Did you know that a good way to cool off is to take a shower fully dressed? It is not super convenient, but wet clothes take longer to dry and thus diffuse a continuous freshness on the skin.
4) PORTABLE TOOLS
For certain, you cannot get on the bus with wet clothes! So have on hand a small fogger filled with water, or a battery-powered mini-fan, or simply a hand-held fan.
5) ICE
Ice is not used simply to treat your injuries. Place your ice pack in the neck or under the pillow, and you’ll get freshness assured!
6) COOL-OFF POINTS
Pour cold water over your wrists, into your neck, inside your elbows and back of your knees or soak your feet in cold water.
7) CHOICE OF CLOTHING
Choose clothes in natural fiber with bright or white colors that repel light and heat.
8) COLD BUFFET
Eat salads, sandwiches, raw vegetables, fruits, ice cream and pop sicles … And if you eat hot, then eat spicy!
9) FANS
Distribute fans in strategic areas of your house in order to have a good air circulation. Enjoy cool nights by installing fans near your windows to get fresh air in.
10) AIR CONDITIONING
The most complete solution is evidently to have an air conditioning system, whether you live in Montreal or the suburbs. But if you do not have one at home, then visit the nearest shopping center or go see the latest movie at the theater.